Five Digital Tools For Staying Informed

There are many ways to stay on top of the latest news. From email newsletters to apps, here are five digital tools that will help you start your day well-informed.

Need 2 Know

Need 2 Know is a free weekday morning email digest that distills the latest news of the moment into relatable summaries. It’s a great choice for people who prefer their highbrow intel with a little humor and sass. It also has an “Other Shtuff” section that includes the latest viral video or meme.

NextDraft

Startup investor and long-time news junkie Dave Pell curates a daily collection of the day’s most interesting reads, in both e-newsletter and iPhone app form. The content is a mix of both mainstream and offbeat news stories, from breaking news to world events.

SmartNews

This mobile-friendly news app brings you trending stories from NBC, MSNBC, USA Today, TIME, The Huffington Post, Quartz, The Verge, VICE, VOX, Buzzfeed, Fast Company, and more. Its categorization is clutter-free and easy to navigate. It also features a helpful countdown that clues you in to the day’s top stories and articles.

theSkimm

Similar to Need 2 Know, theSkimm sends out daily emails that condense the news into pithy summaries and insightful commentary. They’re written as if you were your smart and sassy co-worker, with “What to Say When” sections that offer witty insights on the most pressing headlines of the day.

The New York Daily News

Founded in 1919 as the Illustrated Daily News by Joseph Medill Patterson, the Daily News was once the largest newspaper in the United States. It was known for sensational coverage of crime and scandal, lurid photographs, cartoons, and other entertainment features.

The paper was a popular tabloid and long locked in a circulation battle with its rival, the New York Post. Although its circulation declined from the mid-20th century, it is still a strong presence in the city.

Twitter lists of top news sources

The New York Times’ editor for news presentation Patrick LaForge has curated a very helpful Twitter list composed of 58 top news sources across the globe, including NBC, Fox, CNN, The Guardian, Al Jazeera, Der Spiegel, and more. It’s perfect for people who rely on Twitter to get their daily fix of information.

Up First by NPR

This daily news podcast is ideal for those who like to get their daily updates on a quick and casual basis. Hosted by Rachel Martin, Steve Inskeep, and David Greene, Up First comfortably runs in quick 10-15 minute episodes that keep you up to date on the most interesting and important stories of the day.

NBC Nightly News

Despite the popularity of cable news channels, the NBC Nightly News remains a must-watch show for anyone who wants to get the latest news in a 20-40 minute audio format. The show airs five nights a week and is anchored by Lester Holt.

The Daily News is a daily tabloid newspaper in New York City that was once the largest newspaper in the United States. During the 1920s, it emphasized political wrongdoing and social intrigue such as the Teapot Dome Scandal. It was also an early user of the Associated Press wirephoto service. Its headquarters were located in the Daily News Building on East 42nd Street until it moved to 450 West 33rd Street in 1995. The building is now home to the world headquarters of the Associated Press.